Any analytical solutions to this second order nonlinear DE?

In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of analytical solutions for a linear ordinary differential equation with constants a, b, c, d and dependent variable y(x). The standard method of solution involves using an infinite series, and there may be websites that offer instruction on solving these types of equations.
  • #1
pivoxa15
2,255
1
Are there any analytical solutions to:

ay''+bx^2y+cxy+dy=0

where a,b,c,d are constants and y(x)

If so how would you go about it? Is there a website that teaches you how to solve these?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If by "analytical solutions" you mean "closed form solutions" then, in general no. The standard method of solution for such a function is to use an infinite series.
 
  • #3
What you've written is a LINEAR ODE, BTW.
 
  • #4
the usual technical meaning of the word "analytic" is a function defined by a power series, and in that sense , as Halls implied, the answer is yes.
 

1. What is a second order nonlinear differential equation?

A second order nonlinear differential equation is a type of mathematical equation that involves a second derivative of an unknown function, and the function itself is raised to a power or multiplied by another function. This makes the equation more complex and difficult to solve analytically.

2. What are analytical solutions to a second order nonlinear differential equation?

Analytical solutions to a second order nonlinear differential equation refer to finding an exact mathematical expression for the unknown function that satisfies the given equation. This is in contrast to numerical solutions, which involve approximating the solution using numerical methods.

3. Why are analytical solutions to second order nonlinear differential equations difficult to find?

Analytical solutions to second order nonlinear differential equations are difficult to find because they involve complex mathematical manipulations and may not have a closed-form solution. In some cases, it may not be possible to find an analytical solution at all.

4. What are some techniques for solving second order nonlinear differential equations analytically?

Some techniques for solving second order nonlinear differential equations analytically include separation of variables, substitution, and integration by parts. In some cases, it may also be possible to transform the equation into a linear equation and use known methods for solving linear equations.

5. Are there any special cases where analytical solutions to second order nonlinear differential equations are possible?

Yes, there are some special cases where analytical solutions to second order nonlinear differential equations are possible. For example, if the equation is separable or can be transformed into a linear equation, it may be solvable analytically. Additionally, some specific types of equations, such as the Bernoulli differential equation, have known analytical solutions.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
945
  • Differential Equations
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Differential Equations
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top